Phyllis: I think you would have to look over the book, before buying it, for the fine print. I would think that 2 uses and anything after that would be gravy. I think if you were there for a week you would be money ahead. When I left I would pass it on to someone still there. Hope to see you there. John B

No specific activity suggested during the day, at the end of this post I will list a number of activities you might want to take in. By this time you should all know each other and have an idea of what you might want to do today or your remaining days on the island.

I am making a recommendation for the Ali I Kai Catamaran 2 hour sunset dinner cruise. Pearl Harbor ITT and Hickam ITT has it for buy one get one free. Retail is $62.90 each per the Ali I Kai web site. ITTís price is $60 for 2. Donít try to get this from the Hale Koa activities desk as they donít offer that deal. If this is something you want to do get your tickets from Pearl or Hickam 24 hours in advance. The reason I picked Sunday for this activity is that itís likely to be less crowded, and we could have a lot of people looking for tickets and it gives you time to get the tickets. The boat departs from pier 5 at 1730 and returns about 1930, I always suggest you be early.

It you choose to do this you can get to the boat easily from the Hale Koa via bus. Both the #19 and the #20 bus will get you there. From the Hale Koa across the street on the Mauka (inland) side of the street the #19 bus will stop at 1517 and 1607 and the #20 at 1457 and 1547. Itís about a 20 minute ride , get off at the Aloha Tower Marketplace (ask the driver), when you see the tower get off at the next stop. After exiting the bus walk Makai (towards the ocean), then in the Diamond Head direction. Itís about two blocks from the bus stop, Diamond Head of the Aloha Tower.

For those not attending this activity meet at the BFB at 1700

Those attending I suggest you meet at one of the bus departures times. You can share your plans the night before.

If you want to get to the Aloha Tower earlier there is a lot to see there, including feeding the fish at the sea wall near the pier.

Tickets: Pearl ITT is at the NEX Mall open M-F 0900-1800 Sat 0900-1700 Sun 0900-1500 808-422-2757, if you head to the Arizona or one of the other attractions on Saturday, this is on the way or the way back.

ITT also has entertainment books for $30, that offer 2 for 1 attractions and meals.

While in Waikiki check out the Duke Kahanamoku statue near Kuhio Beach. It's on Kalakaua Ave across the street from the Hyatt Regency Waikiki (2424 Kalakaua Ave). The below web site has a live feed of the statue and the folks back home can see you live in Hawaii.

Ron...Wow what an opportunity. Don't pass that up! If you need more details please feel free to email me privately. Our son & his family live in Kapolei, about 5 minutes away. We are going to be babysitting our 3 year old grandson while our kids are in Russia making arrangements to get our new granddaughter! We plan on being at Ko Olina daily. We love the Marriott there, too. We like to get our morning coffee there and go sit on the beach and then walk. Our kids have been there for dinner several times and love it.

Bertie, I am so glad you sent us this information. We will probably be staying at the Marriott there when we come next week. Our son works for Marriott and can get us the employee rate there which makes it just slightly more than military lodging. We were not familar with that side of the island so I'm glad to get some details about it from someone who has been there.

Anyone with a car (I'm not sure if the Bus goes there. I did not research it) looking for an incredible beach to go to away from downtown, I highly recommend Ko Olina on the West shore. http://www.koolina.com/overview The beauty there is amazing. There are 4 perfect blue lagoons. It is at the end of the H1 off the Farrington Highway. Even though it is a gated community, you just tell the guard you are going to the lagoons and they let you in. There is free parking at each lagoon. There are 2 hotels there that also have lots, but you have to pay. If one lagoon is full go to the next. They are all connected by a beautiful walkway (about 2 miles long) The landscaping and lighting of the walkway itself is beautiful, both day and night. There are extremely nice bathhouses and of course, you can always walk into the Marriott and get coffee or drinks.

For anyone staying in the Pearl Harbor area, it is a very short drive. It is also close to Barbers Point. Anyone wanting to surf, please see the map of Barber's point. This is where our son and a lot of people from the base go surfing. There are also cabins there, but some are undergoing renovations. http://greatlifehawaii.com/docs/ITT_BPT_Map_09.pdf

Our kids live very close to these areas and go to both Ko Olina and White Plains Beach at Barbers Point several times a week. They love it! It was has been our favorite beach (Ko Olina) since we went there.

Today I suggest the Arizona Memorial, even if you donít want to go to the Memorial there are so many other things to do or see in that area, that itís worth the trip. If visiting the Memorial or any of the other military exhibits in the area, you will not be allowed to bring anything with you, including bags, backpacks, fanny packs, etc. The only thing you can bring is a camera, less the case or perhaps a small water bottle. If you bring these items and donít have a car to lock them up in you will have to rent a locker to store them, if you double up doing this it will reduce the cost.

At the Arizona Memorial you are given a ticket for admission based on your arrival time, so itís important to get there as early as possible. Example, if you get there at noon you may not tour until 1600 if at all.

My suggestion is that you catch the #20 bus Airport/Pearlridge across the street from the Hale Koa, Departure times of 0725, 0805, 0850, or 0927 (best to be a bit early). I suggest the best time being the 0805 departure, but wear your bandana or maybe by now we all know each other. A firm agreed upon time can be discussed at the Friday 1700 meet at the BFB.

Also a few blocks (2 bus stops) in the Ewa direction is Aloha Stadium, on Sat-Sun and Wed they have a Flea Market that sells aloha wear and other Hawaiian things. This is where a lot of the locals shop, and a good place to get t-shirts to take home.

Back in the Diamond direction about 2 bus stops from the Memorial and about 4 bus stops from Aloha Stadium, is the Makalapa Gate to Pearl Harbor. At this location you can catch the free NEX shuttle to the exchange (itĎs a city bus painted blue). If you see it going the opposite direction into Pearl Harbor, flag it down and get on (unlike the city bus they will stop if safe). You will then get a tour of Pearl. If you catch it going uphill, Diamond Head direction on Radford Ave it will stop at the Pearl PX (largest exchange I have ever seen, 2 stories) . If you want to walk itís only about 2 blocks up Radford Ave from the bus stop, but itís all uphill.

1700 meet at the BFB

1900 Free Concert (Lt. Dan Band) at the Hickam AFB Freedom Mall (food and beer booths open at 1700), some folks may pass on the BFB meeting and just head to the concert. Suggest you make and share your plans at the Friday BFB meeting. To get to the Freedom Mall take the #19 Bus into Hickam get off just past the Billeting office, near the gym and walk in the Ewa direction on Scott circle to 9th St, you should be able to see the freedom tower. The #19 bus will take you back to the Hale Koa.

Today I suggest the Arizona Memorial, even if you donít want to go to the Memorial there are so many other things to do or see in that area, that itís worth the trip. If visiting the Memorial or any of the other military exhibits in the area, you will not be allowed to bring anything with you, including bags, backpacks, fanny packs, etc. The only thing you can bring is a camera, less the case or perhaps a small water bottle. If you bring these items and donít have a car to lock them up in you will have to rent a locker to store them, if you double up doing this it will reduce the cost.

At the Arizona Memorial you are given a ticket for admission based on your arrival time, so itís important to get there as early as possible. Example, if you get there at noon you may not tour until 1600 if at all.

My suggestion is that you catch the #20 bus Airport/Pearlridge across the street from the Hale Koa, Departure times of 0725, 0805, 0850, or 0927 (best to be a bit early). I suggest the best time being the 0805 departure, but wear your bandana or maybe by now we all know each other. A firm agreed upon time can be discussed at the Friday 1700 meet at the BFB.

Also a few blocks (2 bus stops) in the Ewa direction is Aloha Stadium, on Sat-Sun and Wed they have a Flea Market that sells aloha wear and other Hawaiian things. This is where a lot of the locals shop, and a good place to get t-shirts to take home.

Back in the Diamond direction about 2 bus stops from the Memorial and about 4 bus stops from Aloha Stadium, is the Makalapa Gate to Pearl Harbor. At this location you can catch the free NEX shuttle to the exchange (itĎs a city bus painted blue). If you see it going the opposite direction into Pearl Harbor, flag it down and get on (unlike the city bus they will stop if safe). You will then get a tour of Pearl. If you catch it going uphill, Diamond Head direction on Radford Ave it will stop at the Pearl PX (largest exchange I have ever seen, 2 stories) . If you want to walk itís only about 2 blocks up Radford Ave from the bus stop, but itís all uphill.

1700 meet at the BFB

1900 Free Concert (Lt. Dan Band) at the Hickam AFB Freedom Mall (food and beer booths open at 1700), some folks may pass on the BFB meeting and just head to the concert. Suggest you make and share your plans at the Friday BFB meeting. To get to the Freedom Mall take the #19 Bus into Hickam get off just past the Billeting office, near the gym and walk in the Ewa direction on Scott circle to 9th St, you should be able to see the freedom tower. The #19 bus will take you back to the Hale Koa.

Meet at the Hale Koa lobby at 0800hrs. Be sure to bring water for this outing. Catch the #23 Bus (Hawaii Kai/Sea Life Park) going the Diamond Head direction in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village (get a transfer). This bus leaves Ala Moana shopping center at 0829 and 0902. Take the Bus to the end of the line at Sea Life Park. Walk back Ewa Beach direction (the bus info line said it was about a 15 minute walk) to the parking lot for the trail to Makupa Lighthouse. The trail to the lighthouse is about 2 miles. I have never done this hike, so my info is from The Bus people and internet. Iím told the Lighthouse provides a great ocean view and a good chance to see whales. If anyone has a car and wants to drive I suggest we carpool to eliminate the walk from Sea Life Park. As I suspect it might be uphill!

Return trip, catch the 23 bus at Sea Life Park it departs at 1152, 1308, 1412, 1510, and about every 40 minutes until 1922hrs. The other option is to catch the 22 bus at Sea Life Park that stops at Hanauma Bay (worth seeing and great snorkeling). Get a transfer so if you get off at Hanuman you can get on the next bus towards Waikiki. Get off the 22 bus on Kuhio Ave and either transfer to another bus (ask the driver how & where to do this) back to the Hale Koa or it would be about a 15 minute walk.

Linda and I arrived early last week. We couldn't pass up a direct flt from Elmendorf. We are staying at the Maile Sky Court. Thanks to Uncle Bud and Discount Hotels Hawaii. Let us know if we can be of any help.

The idea here is to get any bus (#8-19-20-23 or 42) from the Hale Koa from the Mauka (inland) side of the street (get a transfer). Catch the 55 Kaneohe/circle island bus on the Mauka side of the Ala Moana shopping center at 0911hrs, but it is suggested you be a bit early. This bus will get you to Wiamea Beach at about 1058hrs. You can get your picnic supplies in Waikiki or get off the bus two stops before Wiamea at Pupukea Rd. across from the Sunset Beach Fire Dept. At that intersection there is a Foodland grocery store where you can get a sandwich or whatever you want for your picnic. The walk from the Foodland is about 1/3 mile mostly flat or downhill with an ocean view. Walk the same direction as the bus was going, walk on the Makai (ocean) side of the guard rail until you reach a opening in the cement wall, enter here and walk to the picnic tables (between the beach and parking lot) If you donít want to walk then itís suggested that you get your picnic supplies before you get on the bus, and exit the bus at Wiamea beach park parking lot. First person there hang out a red bandana, so we can find you, remember this is our first outing so many people may not know each other.

To return you will have two options, one will be to catch the bus going the same direction as you were going to get there. That will give you the most bang for your buck, seeing the other side of the island. Remember whenever you get on the bus get a transfer as you may want to get off at Haleiwa, a north shore surfing town (or somewhere else), lots to see here, also great shave ice. If you choose to stay on the bus it will return you to Ala Moana Center.

The other option is to get on the bus going the opposite direction and return the way you came. Donít worry about bus numbers, only one bus runs out here.

5 pm meet at the BFB

Dinner at J.R. Rockers at the E Club on Hickam.

Mongolian BBQ, you pick your ingredients then itís cooked in front of you. I picked the E Club at Hickam as it is bus friendly, and this is a special Thursday night event. Take bus 19 from across the street (Mauka) at the Hale Koa. It will enter Hickam through the Kuntz Gate (id required). The club in on McClelland St on the Makai (ocean) side of Kuntz Ave (about a 1 block walk), near the Par 3 golf course. J.R. Rockers hours on Thursday 4:30 pm to 9 pm. The Kuntz gate closes at 2100 hrs and the bus will no longer run on Kuntz Ave after that time. If you are returning after that time you may have to walk a few blocks to OíMalley Blvd and catch the bus near the main gate to Hickam. There are other good places to eat on Hickam, like the officers club, the Sea Breeze, and Sand Bar, but these are not bus friendly.

Is there that big a difference in prices between regular prices and Happy Hour? A 14 oz draft Coors Light is only $3 during the nitely (Sunday-Thur)Happy Hour time... (As of Oct) Almost a true 'half price' cost then...

John I have one comment on your places to eat. Giovanni Pastrami on Lewes st. just around the corner from the Hale Koa Park. Military and Retires get a 20% discount on food and drinks.Waiters and waitresses appear to be college students,all pleasant and effecient,managed by a happy Greek. Best deal I've found for food and drinks on the Island. a draft Coors light costs $4 with dicount $3.20. Barefoot bar $5.50 .Lots of TV's for football.

I have been working on some suggested activities for the BFB 2010, my plan was to make my normal November trip to Hawaii as a scouting trip to help make the plans. Due to my busy schedule and having 2 foster children I didnít make that trip. So my plans are from past experience and from surfing the net, so I hope things havenít changed much since my last trip.

The BFB has always been an informal get-together, meeting at the BFB at 5pm , socializing then it seems we break up into different groups and head to dinner. My thought this year was to plan some suggested activities that might give us more time together and thereby get to know each other better. As always the 5pm meet at the BFB is the standard meeting place. Someone hang out a red bandana so we can find each other, I also suggest that you carry a red bandana during the day to make it easier to identify each other.

Many people last year made use of ďThe BusĒ, so as best possible I will make activities as bus friendly as possible. Bus fare is $2.25 for adults and $1.00 for 65+ and disabled, medicare card is your best ID for the bus, as itís widey used. http://www.thebus.org/

Always get a transfer when you pay your fare as you might need one. If you donít use it, no loss. Many people think the transfer is only good for continuing in the same direction, but out of my 20+trips to Honolulu, that has never been an issue. The only factor is how the driver tears the transfer, the last visible time on the transfer, is the time it expires.

The 4 day visitor pass is $25 and may not be the best option for someone paying $1 per ride. You would have to ride the bus more than 25 times in 4 days for it to make sense. This pass is designed for people paying $2.25 per ride, after 11 rides it works out good.

Luggage on the bus is limited to what you can carry on your lap and/or under your seat. This rule is interpreted different by different drivers. If you know the rules, you can present a good argument.

The #19 bus picks up at the Hickam AMC terminal, it runs between Waikiki-Hickam, with a stop at the airport. The #20 bus runs between Waikiki-Pearlridge shopping center, it will stop at the Makalapa gate to Pearl Harbor, Aloha stadium, and the airport. Both of these stop at the Hilton Hawaiian Village that's next to the Hale Koa.

When you board the bus make sure itís going the direction you want to go, if your not sure ask the driver, they are very helpful (most of the time).

About directions, the Hawaiian people donít use the terms north-south-east and west. They give directions in landmarks.

Makai means towards the ocean. (pronounced Mah KAH ee) Mauka means towards the mountain/inland. (pronounced MAH oo kah) Ewa means towards Ewa Beach. (pronounced Eva). Diamond Head means towards Diamond Head. Example: If you were at the Hale Koa and asked a local how to get to the Aquarium, they might say go Diamond Head 1 mile.

In the next week I plan to post a suggested itinerary for each day from the 28th to the 31st . Remember this is a suggested itinerary, itís not my desire or intention to tell anyone what to do. I say this as I expect this to ruffle someoneís feathers. My last post will be some activities that you might want to do on your own either before, during or after the BFB get-together.

I'd like that! Too bad it falls on the very first day of the event....some of the attendees might not make it to HIK by Thursday night. But for those of us lucky enough to already be there, it's a great idea.

Mongolian BBQ Tuesday and Thursday beginning September 29 5:30 - 8 p.m. ~ $0.65 per ounce Officers' Club Lanai Starting September 29, the same great Mongolian BBQ you get on Thursdays will now be offered on Tuesdays too! You choose from 20 different fresh veggies, five meats and a variety of oils and sauces. Out chefs will cook all these delicious ingredients on our open-air grill right in front of you. There is a $1 Member First Discount.

Nobody has of yet proposed any activities other than socializing at the bar. I think I recall Mike Spengel and someone else offering to lead some group hikes to some scenic places outside the city, which I'd be interested in. I'd like to do Diamondhead again, too, since it's been 10 years since I was last up there.

How about a special SPAT meal, picnic or mini-banquet on Hickam or Pearl? Maybe at one of the clubs or the Wright Bros grill? I've heard the restaurants inside the Hale Koa are pricey. The smaller restaurant or snack bar in the back is reasonable but has a very limited menu. Plus it's notorious for selling out of the daily real food special by 5 pm, and only offering burgers and hotdogs afterwards.

The floor is yours....................

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